April 23, 2026
The Gladstone Center for Children and Families (GCCF) stands as a model of what strong, sustained community partnerships can achieve. This multi-use facility reflects deep collaboration between the Gladstone School District, as well as county and state partners, all working together to support children and families in a comprehensive, coordinated way. The GCCF serves children and families in Gladstone as well as all children and families from anywhere in Clackamas County.
Serving children from birth to age six, the Center operates as a small learning community designed to meet the developmental needs of young learners during their most critical years. What makes this facility particularly impactful is its “wraparound services” approach. Families can access a wide range of supports under one roof, including relief childcare, early learning programs, medical care, and even dental services. This integrated model removes barriers for families and ensures that children receive consistent, holistic care.
Since its opening in 2008, the Gladstone Center for Children and Families has been a beacon for the state of Oregon, demonstrating how effective partnerships can elevate outcomes for children and families. Many children from outside of Gladstone have been PK-12 career students due to the excellent reputation of the GCCF and its well known positive outcomes for children and their earliest education. It continues to serve as an example of innovation and collaboration in public education with community services. The Gladstone Center for Children and Families brings in to the District grant dollars through these partnerships that assist the District to fund its programs and services. Our Health Share grant is amazing! The District also receives modest leasing revenues for spaces utilised by our partners.
Community members and board members who have not yet visited the facility are strongly encouraged to do so. Tours can be arranged by contacting Principal Sarah Dunkin, who can provide firsthand insight into the Center’s programs and impact. One impressive program at the Center is our partnership with the Teaching Preschool Partners, an inquiry based, sensory learning experience first developed at the Portland Children’s Museum and widely accepted as one of the best hands-on learning programs in Oregon. So the trajectory for a child from relief nursery, to head start, to preschool, to kindergarten to first grade is a beautiful story of growing up in Gladstone. Children then stay through graduation enjoying all the premiere educational opportunities we provide.
At this time, all district schools are viable, actively used, and serving their intended purposes. They are not surplus properties—nor, as I would say, “on the menu.” Should the Board choose in the future to formally assess the value and use of district facilities by a qualified third party, it is recommended that all schools undergo a consistent, evaluation process based on guidelines established by the Board and then have conversations and discussions regarding the results.
Any decisions regarding district properties should be made only after such comprehensive assessments are completed. This work could be thoughtfully undertaken in collaboration with the incoming superintendent during the 2027–28 timeframe. Finally, I would ask the Board to seriously consider the ramifications of selling a property that its constituents voted for in the 2006 bond election only 20 years ago.
Respectfully submitted.
Dr. Karen F. Gray
Serving children from birth to age six, the Center operates as a small learning community designed to meet the developmental needs of young learners during their most critical years. What makes this facility particularly impactful is its “wraparound services” approach. Families can access a wide range of supports under one roof, including relief childcare, early learning programs, medical care, and even dental services. This integrated model removes barriers for families and ensures that children receive consistent, holistic care.
Since its opening in 2008, the Gladstone Center for Children and Families has been a beacon for the state of Oregon, demonstrating how effective partnerships can elevate outcomes for children and families. Many children from outside of Gladstone have been PK-12 career students due to the excellent reputation of the GCCF and its well known positive outcomes for children and their earliest education. It continues to serve as an example of innovation and collaboration in public education with community services. The Gladstone Center for Children and Families brings in to the District grant dollars through these partnerships that assist the District to fund its programs and services. Our Health Share grant is amazing! The District also receives modest leasing revenues for spaces utilised by our partners.
Community members and board members who have not yet visited the facility are strongly encouraged to do so. Tours can be arranged by contacting Principal Sarah Dunkin, who can provide firsthand insight into the Center’s programs and impact. One impressive program at the Center is our partnership with the Teaching Preschool Partners, an inquiry based, sensory learning experience first developed at the Portland Children’s Museum and widely accepted as one of the best hands-on learning programs in Oregon. So the trajectory for a child from relief nursery, to head start, to preschool, to kindergarten to first grade is a beautiful story of growing up in Gladstone. Children then stay through graduation enjoying all the premiere educational opportunities we provide.
At this time, all district schools are viable, actively used, and serving their intended purposes. They are not surplus properties—nor, as I would say, “on the menu.” Should the Board choose in the future to formally assess the value and use of district facilities by a qualified third party, it is recommended that all schools undergo a consistent, evaluation process based on guidelines established by the Board and then have conversations and discussions regarding the results.
Any decisions regarding district properties should be made only after such comprehensive assessments are completed. This work could be thoughtfully undertaken in collaboration with the incoming superintendent during the 2027–28 timeframe. Finally, I would ask the Board to seriously consider the ramifications of selling a property that its constituents voted for in the 2006 bond election only 20 years ago.
Respectfully submitted.
Dr. Karen F. Gray